CRCP: Extending Service Life of Existing Pavements (FHWA-HIF-13-024)

April 30, 2013|

The purpose of this guide is to provide information on best practices in rehabilitation strategies for extending the service life of continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP). The procedures described consist of defining the problem, identifying potential solutions, and selecting the preferred rehabilitation alternatives. The rehabilitation strategies described comprise two categories: restoration and resurfacing.

Restoration activities preserve the existing pavement by repairing isolated or localized areas of distress in the CRCP and to prevent their reoccurrence by stopping or delaying the deterioration process. Restoration activities include preventive maintenance and repair methods. Restoration activities can be utilized either before or in conjunction with pavement resurfacing methods.

Resurfacing activities, or overlays, significantly increase the structural or functional capacity of an existing pavement. These treatments are not localized, but are applied over the entire surface of the existing pavement. Overlays are used when restoration techniques are no longer sufficient or cost effective, but before reconstruction is required. When restoration and rehabilitation treatments are applied correctly and in a timely manner, the service life of an existing CRCP can be extended by 10 to 25 years or more without destroying the structural integrity of the existing CRCP.